2019 Chrysler Pacifica: an eHybrid suited for today’s families

Celebrating 35 years of leadership in this category that used to rule the world, my 2019 Pacifica eHybrid Limited is a no-compromise minivan ideally suited for today’s families.

Re-engineered from the ground up, on an all-new platform, this eHybrid reinvents the minivan with unprecedented levels of functionality, versatility, technology and bold styling. Chrysler also took the revolutionary vehicle a step further with its unique, advanced hybrid powertrain.

For 2019, the Chrysler Pacifica lineup consists of six models: L, LX, Touring Plus, Touring L, Touring L Plus and Limited. My Limited tester included every feature imaginable and seated up the seven adults. Replace the second-row captain’s chairs with a bench, and you can fit eight.

Pacifica is powered by a 3.6-liter, Pentastar V6 eHybrid gasoline engine, which is mated to a segment-exclusive TorqueFlite nine-speed automatic transmission delivering 287 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque, a range of 32 miles solely on zero-emissions electric power from a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery, as well as a 520-mile total gas and electric range.

The pivotal technology behind the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is its innovative eFlite single electrically variable transmission. The device features two electric motors, which are both capable of driving the vehicle’s wheels.

On a weekend trip to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, the Pacifica climbed from sea level to 5,500 feet in 17 miles on a winding, switchback road without complaint, and plenty of power in reserve. On the way down, braking added 13 more electric miles to its range.

Hands-free sliding doors on either side allow for easy passenger entry/egress, along with a hands-free power lift gate at the back. Wave your foot under the doors and presto-change-o, they magically open and close.

Family members also benefit from a panoramic tri-panel sunroof that floods the cabin with light, two 10-inch video screens mounted to the back of the front seats to display Blu-ray DVD movies, onboard 4G Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, 20-speaker Harman Karon audio system with 760 watts, and three-zone automatic climate control. That’s a short-list.

Other creature comforts worthy of note include heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, navigation, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, and numerous cubby holes to store and hide valuables.